Honda CRV gets a more powerful 2.2-litre diesel, as seen in the Accord, paired with an auto box for the first time. The engine and gearbox suit each other well and conform to the CR-V�s straightforward style. There isn�t a flappy paddle in sight and the gearstick appears to be borrowed from the Eighties. It�s a slide-straight-up-n-down layout, with no extra notch for sport mode or manual override. And that�s probably a good thing, because � despite its 257lb ft � the diesel is best left unprovoked. Better to let the old-skool five-speed transmission do its thing while you worry about the balling baby in the back.

It may be uninspiring, but it continues to demonstrates the CR-V�s unfussy competence.Back in the fledgling days of SUVs, the CR-V was a novelty. Now in its third-and a-half generation, it�s encircled by stylish competition like the Hyundai iX35. While both cars do roughly the same job, the iX35 is designed with more verve and, crucially, costs much less. Performance: 0-62mph in 10.6secs, max speed 116mph, 38.2mpg Tech: 2199cc, 4cyl, 4WD, 148bhp, 258lb ft, 1713kg, 195g/km CO2.